I bought my 7.3 FX in almost-spring, and have almost 1,000 miles on it. Impressions? GREAT value for the money (I paid $479 for mine, it's a blue '07).

I'm a bigger guy, so the stock rear wheel, well, it just died. At about mile 200 I had it replaced with a handbuilt wheel, some minor hiccups around mile 850, but now it's seemingly fine. The stock saddle stinks, so I replaced it with a Brooks B-17. Both alleviated pain, and took the edge off the ride. Finally, I have wide feet, so I swapped the pedals with something wider.

I'll agree with nextstopwillbe, the stock Bontrager tires are great. I replaced my rear yesterday due to glass + sidewall terror, but that was the first *knock on wood* flat I've had on this bike. They offer great puncture protection, and at 110psi they roll FAST. Knock 'em down to 80psi and it smoothes the ride out, but takes the super-speedy response off the ride. I'll definitely keep running these tires, I'm sold on 'em even if replacements aren't exactly cheap (~$35). I'd imagine that had the beer bottle not ended the life prematurely, I'd have chalked up at least 2,000 miles on the set.

I also have the ticking noise, actually, and have resigned myself to just ignoring it. I'll replace the BB soon, but the ride is still very smooth/fast.

Oh, and the stock brake pads are a little on the "meh" side, they work fine enough but the Kool-Stops on my MTB put them to shame. After (almost) 1,000 miles, they are pretty much toast.. but I ride hard/fast in an urban setting.

Overall, I've recommended the bike to several others and don't feel bad about it. Great ride, and will likely be with me for a long time.